Trump administration launches federal probe into Atlanta MARTA safety
GA great-grandmother killed in unprovoked stabbing on Atlanta train
The 66-year-old great-grandmother was tragically killed in an unprovoked stabbing on an Atlanta train, leading to federal charges against John Elijah Matthews. Daughter expresses sadness and demands answers regarding transit safety. Former MARTA chief operating officer Bruce Levell highlights safety concerns on the busiest public transportation system and discusses the challenges faced by homeless individuals seeking shelter on trains.
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The Trump administration is launching a federal investigation into Atlanta’s troubled public transportation system following two recent stabbings, including the death of a 66-year-old woman on a MARTA train.
The Federal Transit Administration will oversee the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) for worker and passenger safety, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said, citing what officials described as alarming rates of violence on the system.
“I want ANSWERS from Atlanta. The number of assaults, robberies, and rapes on MARTA’s trains is OVER THREE TIMES the national average,” Duffy wrote in a post Thursday.
The investigation concerns the death of 66-year-old Margaret Swan, a great-grandmother, who was stabbed multiple times by a homeless man on an Atlanta train.
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John Elijah Matthews faces a federal charge of committing an act of violence resulting in death on a public transportation system after allegedly killing 66-year-old Margaret Swan on a Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) train. (@SecDuffy/X)
“Margaret’s family DESERVES RESPONSIBILITY. No one should be forced to worry about their safety on public transport,” Duffy said.
The audit will examine whether the agency properly implemented its safety plan, including measures to prevent attacks on transit workers and protect passengers, FTA said in a June 3 letter to MARTA Interim CEO Jonathan Hunt.
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MARTA reported one of only two transit worker assault deaths nationwide in fiscal year 2025, and the rate of serious personal safety incidents has been nearly double the national average since fiscal year 2024, the agency said.
The federal review will also examine MARTA’s plans to reduce crime and ticket evasion, as well as how it spends federal and other funds to improve safety for passengers and workers.
Duffy said MARTA has 15 days to turn over security plans, attack reports, training records and other documents requested by investigators.
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The investigation follows two stabbing attacks on MARTA property, including the fatal attack on the 66-year-old woman and another stabbing attack at a station days earlier.
In the latest Swan homicide on Saturday, John Elijah Matthews, 25, of Decatur, Georgia, was charged in a federal criminal complaint with committing an act of violence using a dangerous weapon with intent to cause the death of a person. public transportation systemAccording to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia.
He is also charged with local felony murder, according to Fulton County records.
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Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche Prosecutors said if Matthews is convicted, they will determine whether the government will seek the death penalty.
Surveillance footage captured the unprovoked attack inside a moving train car before MARTA police officers arrested the armed suspect on the station platform. (MARTA)
According to prosecutors and a Fulton County arrest warrant affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital, the fatal attack occurred around 11:25 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, as Swan boarded a northbound MARTA train from Lakewood Station to Oakland City Station.
The affidavit sworn by MARTA Police Detective Douglas Burn alleges that Matthews boarded Train Car 134 at 11:24:59 a.m., wore glasses, an orange T-shirt with text on the front, dark gray pants, white socks and black slippers. According to testimony, Swan had boarded the same train car minutes earlier at 11:21:46 and was sitting alone.
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Surveillance video shows Matthews allegedly walking to the side of the train where Swan was sitting and standing next to her.
At 11:25:18 he allegedly approached and stood to his right. Eight seconds later, at 11:25:26 a.m., he allegedly reached into his right front pants pocket, pulled out a knife and opened it, the affidavit states.
At 11:25:32 a.m., Matthews allegedly slit Swan’s throat with his right hand while holding her head. Swan screamed and tried to get up from her seat, but Matthews allegedly grabbed her right arm and stabbed him approximately 18 to 20 timesThe declaration says:
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federal prosecutors He said surveillance video showed Matthews stabbing Swan approximately 18 to 20 times in the chest and neck area as he tried to defend himself.
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Other passengers escaped and called for help, and at least one passenger confirmed Swan’s death. There was no previous interaction with Matthews Prosecutors said the attack took place.
The affidavit states Matthews threw Swan to the ground and stood next to him until the train arrived at the Oakland City Station at 11:27:05.
John Elijah Matthews allegedly began the attack by slitting the throat of the victim, identified as Margaret Swan, seconds after he approached where she was sitting on the train approaching the Oakland City MARTA station. (Fulton County Sheriff’s Office)
He then allegedly got off the train with the knife in his right hand and walked towards the north end of the platform.
MARTA police officers He arrived a few minutes later and hurried to catch her, according to testimony.
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Bolton, who was patrolling the concourse of the Oakland City Station, heard a commotion on the platform and saw patrons pointing at Matthews, according to the affidavit.
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Bolton allegedly saw Matthews holding a knife near the north end of the platform and ordered him to turn back. Matthews allegedly failed to comply and was taken into custody after another officer arrived, the affidavit said.
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Prosecutors alleged Matthews was found with a bloody folding knife and had blood on his clothing. The affidavit states Matthews said he “does not currently have an address” and does not currently have a phone number.
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First intervention attempt was made emergency medical helpHowever, Swan was pronounced dead at the scene.
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The affidavit states that the Fulton County Medical Examiner arrived at the scene at 1:45 p.m., and Swan’s time of death was listed as 2 p.m.
Fox News Digital has contacted MARTA and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office for additional information.
